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Relationship between Wedding Coordinator & Master of Ceremonies

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There is a unique relationship between your Master of Ceremonies and your Event Coordinator.

I am not a wedding coordinator. However as a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Bandleader I know that music starts a wedding and continues throughout the celebration. I am very interested in establishing an itinerary SKETCH early in the planning process as an aid to defining scope of service and planning music. Many parts come together on a wedding day. Working with an experienced wedding coordinator is such a joy and an important part of successful wedding planning.

For more about this please see: The Itinerary SKETCH by Elegant Music

 

Wedding Ceremony @ The Skirball Cultural Center

Wedding Coordinator

As mentioned in the post “The Responsibilities Of Your Master of Ceremonies” the coordinator always works (ahead of what is happening right now) setting up the next thing for the master of ceremonies to do.

Here is an example: “The Champagne Toast.”

Step 1.  The coordinator makes sure the banquet captain has champagne glasses filled on all the tables.

Step 2.  Then the coordinator locates the next presenter and informs him to stay in the room as he is next to speak.  The coordinator would have the next presenter (and the next) standing near by.

Step 3.  The coordinator cues the MC to announce the presenter for the champagne toast.

 

DJ and Master of Ceremonies Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music

Master of Ceremonies “MC”

If there is no coordinator then the MC needs to do the steps the coordinator would have done:

1.  Locate the banquet captain to make sure the champagne has been poured.

2.  Make sure the next presenter is in the room and informs him that he is next to speak and…

3.  Announces the next presenter for the champagne toast.

When there is no wedding coordinator it is dangerous for the MC to not take these steps. In fact, if the MC makes an announcement that doesn’t happen (because it wasn’t set up) then that MC loses credibility with that audience and his job for the rest of the night is that much harder.  “Ladies and gentlemen!  May I have your attention please?!” etc., etc., etc.  If you hear an MC struggling to get everyone’s attention he either lost credibility earlier in the evening or never established it in the first place.

Just having a wedding coordinator doesn’t guarantee that the above steps will be done. It is always a good idea for the MC to touch base with the coordinator before he makes an announcement. Having an experienced wedding coordinator who can direct your team of vendors is the best insurance for a successful event.

 

DJ and Master of Ceremonies Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music

Talk to DJ/Master of Ceremonies

Eric Zimmermann

323-270-3650

 

 

Wedding Coordinator and Master of Ceremonies Working Together

So Wedding Coordinators and MCs work together from an agreed upon itinerary to make to the event go as planned. There are many things that go on behind the scene that guests are unaware of at a special event… and that is the way it should be.  Event professionals are organized and work hard to make it look easy.

What a joy it is to work with experienced event professionals.  By having the event completely planned and announcements scripted, all we have to do is look at each other to know what happens next.  It’s another successful event. Everyone is very happy!

 

Wedding reception on the West Patio @ Athenaeum. DJ/Master of Ceremonies Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

Please fill out this form and get started planning music for your special event:

WM Contact Form

A Wedding Itinerary and Script for Your Master of Ceremonies

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An “itinerary” is different than a “script.”

In the previous post we discussed the Responsibilities of your Master of Ceremonies.  Just because your wedding coordinator has put together “an itinerary” or a “time line” for your wedding this does not mean that you have “a script for your Master of Ceremonies.”

Hello. My name is Eric Zimmermann.  I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Bandleader.  Phone:  626-797-1795

One of the major concerns most people have about hiring a DJ/MC is “will he talk too much?” You can have control over your DJ/MC by making him use a script for his announcements.

Wedding Itinerary

Please know that a “wedding itinerary” is usually a list of generalized events listed in logical sequence.  An itinerary might indicate:

6:45 pour Champagne,
7:00  Grand Entrance,
7:03 First Dance,
7:10 Toasts,
7:15 Dinner

Scripted Announcements

A script would be the specific communication the MC needs to make; what he should say:

“Good evening and welcome to the the…”
“Congratulations to the family and friends of…”
“At this time please join me in welcoming…”

Professional Announcements & Presentation

Weddings are special occasions and usually formal.  An MC doesn’t have to be “stuffy” but he should be respectful, have his facts organized and be prepared to make professional announcements.  It is usually left up to the Master of Ceremonies to come up with his own announcements.   It might be a good idea to test your Master of Ceremonies to find out what he is going to say and how he is going to say it.  See:  Responsibilities of Your Master of Ceremonies.

 

Talk to DJ/Master of Ceremonies

Eric Zimmermann

323-270-3650

 

Announcing

DJ and Master of Ceremonies Eric Zimmermann, Elegant MusicAnnouncing “the first name only” colors the event as being informal or not important. A good master of ceremonies would need to find out complete information about each person he is announcing.  So for one announcement he needs to know the person’s full name but in addition to his name, who is he? Does he have a title?  Is he only the best man?  Is he the brother of the groom?   If he is both the announcement he would be:

“The best man and brother of the groom Mr.” “first name” “last name”.”

Add to this the possibility that this individual might have an additional title.   (military rank for example)

One wedding reception I attended as a guest I heard the MC say:  “Yo!  How’s everybody doin’!?”   (no response from the guests) MC:  “I SAID, HOW’S EVERYBODY DOIN’!!!?”(etc.)  He then said, “Yo, let’s give it up for Joe the Best Man!”

Who was Joe?  An officer in the US Marines in full dress blues. (“dress blues” is a formal uniform worn for special occasions.)   So here is a Military Officer representing the Bride and Groom and also representing the US Marines and being introduced as “Joe”.

The family of the bride spent thousands of dollars on their daughter’s wedding and yes there was an itinerary but what the MC would say wasn’t considered.

The announcement should have been:  “Good evening and welcome to the Athena Ballroom of the Odyssey Restaurant here in Granada Hills, CA.  My name is _____.  I am your DJ and Master of Ceremonies.  Here to offer a toast please join me in welcoming the Best Man and Brother of the Groom Lieutenant Joseph Rodriguez!”

 

Take the time to ensure you and your family will be represented well by your Master of Ceremonies.

Eric Zimmermann, Elegant Music, Bridal Fashion Show Master of CeremoniesTo help define the scope of service, before you hire your DJ you should require him to present an itinerary with scripted announcements so you know what you are paying for.  Please know that an itinerary with scripted announcements accompanies every Elegant Music DJ contract.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 323-270-3650

DJ

Master of Ceremonies

Pianist

Bandleader

Host of Wedding and Event Podcast

WM Contact Form

Responsibilities of Your Master of Ceremonies

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DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader Eric ZimmermannHello: My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ and Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader.  Phone:  626-797-1795.

Master of Ceremonies “The Man Out Front”

At an event the Master of Ceremonies represents the host. At a wedding for example he has the responsibility of representing the bride, groom and their families to their guests. The Master of Ceremonies or “MC” greets guests and sets the tone of the evening. He is the man out front. A professional master of ceremonies is organized and helpful with a friendly demeanor.

The job of the Master of Ceremonies is to:

  • Direct the attention of the audience…
  • Make announcements and…
  • Conduct the festivities in a professional manner.

 

Talk to DJ/Master of Ceremonies

Eric Zimmermann

323-270-3650

 

Common Concern “DJs that Talk Too Much”

Many couples I meet with express concern about how their MC will conduct himself during their event. They don’t want the MC to “talk too much” or to “steal the show.” Your MC for your wedding should always work from a script approved ahead of time by you and your coordinator. We have all heard inappropriate remarks, wise cracks and “improvisation” done by a DJ/MC who plain and simple “just wasn’t working from a script.”

See:  A Wedding Itinerary and Script for your Master of Ceremonies

How To Test Your Master of Ceremonies Before Your Wedding.

How will your MC represent you on the day of your wedding? For your piece of mind you should do the following:

  • Ask your MC for a script from an event he has done in the past and look it over.
  • Ask your MC to present you with the script of how he would announce your event for your approval.
    • Is it in proper sequence?
    • Is it complete?
  • Then ask him to read it to you as he would at your special event.
  • Does he have his facts straight?
  • Did he pronounce names correctly?
  • Did he deliver it in a professional manner?
  • Ask yourself: “Will he represent me well?”
Wedding reception on the West Patio @ Athenaeum. DJ/Master of Ceremonies Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 323-270-3650

 

Choosing Your Master of Ceremonies

Many things come together at a special event. It’s a lot of fun to shop for the right location, the right invitations and to create just the right table setting. You are spending thousands of dollars on your special event to make it the best that it can be. Being just as thoughtful about choosing your Master of Ceremonies will protect your investment and help ensure your wedding or special event is a success.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 323-270-3650

DJ

Master of Ceremonies

Pianist

Bandleader

Host of Wedding and Event Podcast

WM Contact Form

Should I Get A Wedding Coordinator?

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Getting Married is a New Experience

Most couples planning a wedding have not been married before.  Those who do not regularly entertain (throw parties) do not know what it takes to organize an event for 50 to 100 guests or more.  With little or no experience it is hard to know what to expect. Everything is a new experience with nothing to compare it to.

Throw a Party

So you want to coordinate your own wedding?  I cautiously say, ‘Well okay.”  To get your feet wet and experience what it takes to produce a large event, throw a party for 20 – 50 people. Consider: the location, parking, (rentals: tables, chairs, linen, etc.) invitations, flowers, itinerary, toasts, food, entertainment, party favors, etc. Designate who does what.  Choose a person who will conduct the festivities as your Master of Ceremonies.

Did you do it all yourself?

You probably can do it all yourself, great, but (on the day of your party) did you enjoy your guests?  Or, were you running around being a party coordinator, cook, bartender, etc…

If you can delegate responsibility and get others to help perhaps then you will be able to enjoy your own party.

Take notes from the start of planning until the day after the party when rentals are returned and everything is done. Review your findings; you will learn a lot.  If you are really serious about doing it all yourself you may need to throw several parties to get it right.

DJ / Master of Ceremonies Eric ZimmermannAre you a beginner wedding coordinator?

If this sounds like a lot of work, you’re right it is!  You are planning for one event.  Event professionals do it every week (sometimes 3 in one weekend).

In real life you may already be a really organized person and can delegate responsibility and after throwing your first couple of “test parties” learn that you can be your own wedding coordinator; I don’t recommend that but I do understand if situations exist that make that necessary.

Ask yourself,  “Can I really do this?”

You may realize that you can do it.  Great!  Or, you may realize that wedding planning is a lot of work and learn the value of a wedding coordinator.

Note:  People are people and not all wedding coordinators are the same.  Before you choose any wedding vendor please see:  Choosing A Wedding Professional – Wedding Vendor.

Bouquet Toss
Wedding Bouquet Toss Langham Pasadena

I think that most people who are administrators and executives in real life (if they are not already too busy) can thoroughly plan their wedding and then hire a “Day Of Coordinator” and turn it all over to them so they can enjoy their day without further responsibility.  Actually, if they are any kind of administrator they would probably just hire a wedding coordinator and let them handle most of it.

Eric Zimmermann DJ/Master of Ceremonies Pianist and Band Leader Elegant Music
Eric Zimmermann DJ/Master of Ceremonies Pianist and Band Leader Elegant Music

Elegant Music provides:

Live Music – (Duos, Trios, Quartets, Bands and talented soloists.)

DJ Dance Music

Professional Announcing

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann, DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Band Leader.  Elegant Music 3190 Crestford Drive, Altadena, CA.  91001  Phone: 626-797-1795

Relief from Wedding Stress

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Wedding Ceremony, Formal Garden @ Greystone Mansion Beverly Hills, CA

Wedding Planning

A wedding is a chance to become creative and express yourself and above all have fun.

Planning a wedding may become overwhelming because “everything seems so important.”

Certain things are essential; other things are important according to your viewpoint and experience; other things are nice to  have.

The experienced wedding professional knows what’s essential for a successful wedding.

So if you are feeling stressed, talk to your wedding professional.

 

Contact Elegant Music

for a free consultation:  323-270-3650

 

Wedding Announcement

Please know that you and your fiancee have already decided to be together and that the wedding itself is an announcement or public display of that commitment. You are just letting everyone else know (family and friends) what the two of you have decided and already know… and that decision is really the most important thing!

 

Crystal Ballroom Millennium Biltmore
Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles

 

Wedding Professionals

Wedding professionals are usually artists who are passionate about their work; they love to help.  Getting help (or at least ideas) from wedding professionals is a good start in being able to wrap your wits around your wedding.

Wedding Planning Process

Peace of mind comes with knowing.

In a consultation with a bridal couple there is an interchange of ideas; realizations occur.  “All the details” become simpler.  Basically the couple helps me understand their wedding and through the process they come to know their wedding better.

Getting these ideas out of your head and on paper in an itinerary sketch goes a long way to relieving this kind of stress.

 

Talk to DJ/Master of Ceremonies

Eric Zimmermann

323-270-3650

Elegant Music Jazz Trio during dinner @ The Langham

Wedding Itinerary

The itinerary is then worked and organized until it is complete with all announcements and written out as a script.

The bridal couple, knowing that their itinerary is complete has more certainty about the their celebration. The couple going over their itinerary with their coordinator. This step should be repeated with their Master of Ceremonies. While there is always anticipation and excitement about getting married, knowing their itinerary has been understood by their hired vendors goes a long way to “curing” uncertainty causing wedding stress.

 

Bridal Couple Forward Together

 

Relief is experienced by one’s vendors as now they have their orders and are certain of their jobs. For example, it is the responsibility of the Master of Ceremonies to follow the itinerary/script as he conducts the festivities.

See:  The Itinerary SKETCH by Elegant Music

Pianist Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 323-270-3650

DJ

Master of Ceremonies

Pianist

Bandleader

Host of Wedding and Event Podcast

WM Contact Form

Beautiful, Successful Weddings & Events

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